A trade for Khalil Mack solves Colts' pass-rushing woes for years

Following the conclusion of the first week of the preseason, there are still questions surrounding the status of the Oakland Raiders and elite pass rusher Khalil Mack.

If there is a chance Mack is on the trading block as his contract holdout continues, it raises the question if the Colts and general manager Chris Ballard should inquire about a possible trade to bring him to Indy.

It likely can go without saying what type of an impact Mack would bring to the Colts defensive line and defensive unit as a whole. The No. 5 overall pick from the 2014 NFL Draft would bring elite production to a unit that has needed it desperately for years.

Since entering the league in 2014, Mack has started every game for the Raiders. In those 64 games, Mack has recorded 40.5 sacks, 11 passes defended and nine forced fumbles.

Mack, 27, would also be a perfect fit for the new defensive scheme the Colts are running under new coordinator Matt Eberflus. A scheme that puts heavy emphasis on the defensive line getting pressure on the quarterback, Mack would fit in perfectly.

While Colts fans could daydream all day about Mack suiting up in Colts blue, the price is what is likely keeping most teams out of the running in a trade for the elite pass rusher.

With Mack still in his prime, the Raiders are likely going to want one or two first-round picks and/or a player they could plug in with upside in exchange for the Buffalo product.

The Colts do have some draft capital they could swing the Raiders way. They also have some young players with some upside to bargain with if they don’t feel comfortable giving away two future first-round picks.

With a first-round pick and a player like Tarell Basham or Quincy Wilson, it might be enough to intrigue the Raiders.

Having Mack in his prime with the upside of the younger players in the pass rush would certainly be exciting.

Ballard has put a lot of emphasis on the draft for the current rebuild, especially when it comes to constructing the defensive line, but the Colts would be getting consistent elite production from Mack.

The other problem teams face with Mack’s situation is the root of his current holdout. He wants more money from the Raiders, and the Colts are one of the few teams that could give him what he desires.

The Colts are among the teams with the most salary cap space entering the regular season so they would easily be able to give Mack the multi-year deal he is seeking in the first place.

All of this is great for discussion, but it is highly unlikely the Colts make a move of this magnitude. Ballard believes in building the roster and the locker room with the majority of players brought in through the draft.

That isn’t to say it is impossible. The league is unpredictable, and if Ballard feels it would work out in the long run, then there is a chance he pulls the trigger.

But the likelihood is that the Colts stand pat, leaving Indy fans only to wonder what Mack would look like coming off the edge at Lucas Oil Stadium.

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